My Voice: Democratic Forum promotes ‘progressive ideas’

The Democratic Forum of Sioux Falls is one of those groups covered in a recent Argus Leader article, which has been banned by the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce from sponsoring and having an active presence at the upcoming Legislative Coffees.

Although the Chamber has been happy to accept our sponsorship dollars the past several years, it appears our primary offense now is that we have the word “democratic” in our organizational title. In fact, the Forum is not an official part of the state or county parties, but seeks to promote progressive ideas through a wide range of speakers, who present their views every Friday at a noon lunch at the Sioux Falls VFW. In the past, the programs have covered presenters from various local organizations and governmental offices and have included people from all sides of the issues, including Larry Pressler, Mark Meierhenry, Dana Dykhouse, Ted Muenster and a host of others.

Our meetings are open to all interested citizens of any political party. Our sponsorship of the Chamber’s coffees, enables us to make contact about our programs with a wide range of individuals and also enforce our belief that real (not fake) facts are the best way to have an informed electorate.

One wonders where the policy chiefs at the Chamber will draw the line on the positions which may be taken by those organizations which they do permit to help host these important community events? Or for that matter, the positions taken by the Chamber itself, as an active lobbyist in Pierre? I would venture to say none of these organizations are strictly non-partisan when it comes to promoting the interests of their memberships. What litmus test will the Chamber seek to impose on potential future sponsors?

It also baffles me how the Chamber can seek to ban one political party from an essentially political event, because the other political party makes its own decision not to participate. I don’t believe the Democratic party in any way blames the Republican Party for the Chamber’s decision.

On one point I would agree with the comments from the GOP. The coffees aren’t the most effective way for lawmakers to communicate with constituents, due to time constraints and an overly-regulated method of bringing concerns to the attention of legislators. A series of smaller district sessions would likely serve voters far better – if both parties would agree to participate. But the current format is one of the very few opportunities for citizens in this community to bring their concerns directly to their representatives and receive explanations of how things are proceeding during the session in Pierre.

As Thomas Jefferson observed, “Educate and inform the whole mass of the people ... . They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.”

Tom Cool is president of the Democratic Forum of Sioux Falls. My Voice columns should be 500 to 700 words. Submissions should include a portrait-type photograph of the author. Authors also should include their full name, age, occupation and relevant organizational memberships.

Tom Cool is president of the Democratic Forum of Sioux Falls. My Voice columns should be 500 to 700 words. Submissions should include a portrait-type photograph of the author. Authors also should include their full name, age, occupation and relevant organizational memberships.